Consensus update on the therapeutic approach to patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

A Consensus document on the management of patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) was published in 2018. The present document aims to update its recommendations regarding treatment considering the new evidence available, and to contribute to the standardization of the management of this disorder.

METHODS

The methodology used was based on a systematic review and the Nominal Group Technique. The clinical coordinator (CC) and the Consensus update group (CUG) defined the questions to be updated and carried out a systematic review to identify the new available evidence. After being evaluated by the expert panel, the relevant recommendations were updated and agreed in a consensus meeting.

RESULTS

A total of 3,210 publications were identified and 26 publications that met the inclusion criteria were included. The CUG updated 18 recommendations on the therapeutic approach to NDO. Unanimous consensus was reached on all of them.

CONCLUSIONS

Previous recommendations need to be revised due to the availability of new drugs, the increasing evidence on the use of botulinum toxin or neuromodulation procedures, and new surgical options.

[Functional urology during COVID-19: Recommendations during de-escalation.]

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, all surgical activity that was not life threatening was cancelled , as well as most face-to-face consultations. Currently the beginning of the de-escalation phases that will led us to a new normal, forces us to establish some degree of priority in the interventions as well as in the medical consultations. Our objective is to establish some recommendation on Functional Urology office visits and surgical interventions that serve as a tool to facilitate decision-making. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Experts in Functional Urology from different autonomous communities of Spain were contacted to design a strategy to reorganize the activity of both, diagnosis and treatment. A modified nominal group technique has been used due to the extraordinary restrictions of assembly and mobility during the COVID pandemic. The first signer (EMC) made the first draft with the measures adopted and the strategy to be followed during the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic. The proposal was sent to the rest of the authors, in order to unify criteria and experiences to reach a quick consensus on the relative priority of the different activities, problems and solutions. A final version was approved by all authors May 27, 2020. RESULTS: Tables of recommendation have been prepared for outpatient consultation, surgical and technical interventions, according to de-escalation phases proposed by the Spanish Associations of Surgeons. CONCLUSIONS: The change that COVID-19 Pandemich as involved in our clinical practice force us to seek alternative methods to treat our patients, some of which may already be established. Mean while, a consensusin decision making is necessary. Documents such as the current one, are intended to guide the management of patients with urological functional pathology in exceptional situations. Logically, it should be adapted to material and human availability, and to the idiosyncrasy of each Urology service.

Consensus document on the multidisciplinary management of neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction in patients with multiple sclerosis

AIM

Neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) is very common in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to avoid irreversible damage and improve quality of life. Our aim was to develop recommendations to improve NLUTD identification in MS patients, along with their referral and management.

METHODS

A multidisciplinary group of 14 experts in the management of patients with MS and NLUTD (nine urologists, three neurologists, and two rehabilitators) was selected. A comprehensive review of the literature was undertaken and a set of recommendations was generated and submitted to a Delphi panel of 114 experts. Recommendations were presented according to the grade of agreement (GA).

RESULTS

Early diagnosis in asymptomatic patients with risk factors for complications is recommended (GA 94%). Postvoid residual volume should be measured if changes in urinary symptoms (GA 87%), preferably ultrasound-guided (GA 86%). Early referral to urologist is recommended if urinary incontinence (GA 91%), significant post-void residual volume (94%), quality of life impairment (GA 98%) and recurrent urinary infections (GA 97%). The initial evaluation should include physical examination (GA 99%) and urodynamics including cystometry (GA 89%), pressure-flow study (90%) and electromyography (GA 70%). The panel recommends multidisciplinary collaboration (GA 100%) with a rehabilitation specialist and trained nurses in the management of NLUTD (GA 99%).

CONCLUSIONS

Multidisciplinary management for patients with NLUTD due to MS is advised, including urologists, neurologists, rehabilitation, and nurses. Panel recommends early diagnosis with post-void residual volume in symptomatic patients before referring to urologist and urodynamics when referred.

[Cystocele and stress urinary incontinence associated with lower urinary tract obstruction]

OBJECTIVES

The association of stress urinary incontinence secondary to urethral hypermobility and lower urinary tract obstruction in the same patient with cystocele is rare, and even represents a contradiction. The objective of our work is to treat to define the characteristics that identify this entity, in comparison with isolated stress urinary incontinence or lower urinary tract obstruction in patients with cystocele.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study in 1168 cases of cystocele in which urodynamic studies were performed. All patients underwent history and neurological and uro-gynecologycal physical examination. The urodynamic study included uroflowmetry, cystomanometry, voiding pressure/flow tests and voiding cystourethrograms. All data were collected in an Excel 2000 database and statistical analysis was performed with the SPSS software.

RESULTS

A- General data: 25 cases qualified for the study in group I (isolated stress urinary incontinence with urethral hypermobility); 24 cases in group II (lower urinary tract obstruction); and 14 cases in group III (astress urinary incontinence associated with lower urinary tract obstruction). The proportion of each group in the whole group of cystoceles corresponded to a 4/1/0.05 ratio respectively. Mean age was 58.4 years for group I, 68.2 for group II and 71.2 for group III. A Statistically significant lower age was demonstrated for group I (p < 0.0005). B- The symptom "sensation of vaginal lump" was less frequent in group I (32%). A significant difference was demonstrated (p = 0.02). C- Group I showed a lower increase of daily voiding frequency (32%), p = 0.02. D- Group I showed less night-time voiding frequency (1 episode)(p < 0.04). E- Urinary incontinence with cough was less frequent in group 1 (84%) (p = 0.0004). F- Group I had more bladder capacity (243.6 ml) (p < 0.05).G- Group I showed less urethral resistances (URA = 37.9 cm H2O) (p = 0.01). H- W80-W20 was higher in group I: 1.3 W/m2 (p < 0.05). I- The symptom "sensation of vaginal lump appeared more often in group II (70.8%) (p = 0.02). J- Radiological degree of cystocele was greater in group II1 (1.7) (p < 0.05). K- Detrusor hyperactivity was more frequent in group III (64.3%) (p = 0.00009). L- No significant differences were found between groups II-III when comparing type of obstruction.

CONCLUSIONS

The group of isolated stress urinary incontinence (group I) is characterized by a younger age, less frequency of sensation of vaginal lump, less daily frequency and nocturia, and urodynamic data of greater bladder capacity, lower urethral resistance and normal detrusor contractility. The group of isolated lower urinary tract obstruction (group II) could be characterized by a more frequent sensation of vaginal lump and increase of the radiological cystocele. The group of stress urinary incontinence associated with lower urinary tract obstruction had a higher percentage of cases of detrusor hyperactivity. All these data might enable a proper identification of different risk elements in the groups.

[Correlation coefficient of urodynamic data used in prostatism]

OBJECTIVE

To determine the usefulness of different urodynamic data and their relationship.

METHODS

105 adult males with prostatism were evaluated urodynamically. Data were obtained utilizing the Abrhams and Griffiths and the Schaeffer models.

RESULTS

Our results show that the urinary flow rate correlates directly with bladder contractibility and inversely with the urethral resistance parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

The urethral resistance was produced by two independent factors: a factor which resists initiation of voiding, measured by the opening pressure according to the Schaeffer model; a second factor which opposes maintenance of voiding, measured by the PURR curvature of the Schaeffer model and by the slope of the Abrhams and Griffiths model. Bladder contractibility was related to pressure at maximum flow rate of the Schaeffer model.

[A comparative analysis of monoclonal assays for the determination of PSA: radioimmunometric assay (ELSA) vs microparticle immunoenzyme assay (MEIA)]

Comparative analysis of PSA values measured by MEIA and ELSA techniques in a group of 70 unselected patients. A good correlation was observed between PSA levels determined by ELSA-PSA immunoradiometric techniques and those obtained by MEIA-PSA (r = 0.93, p < 0.00001). However, ELSA-PSA values have been 1.73 +/- 0.1 times higher than those by MEIA-PSA. A mean-paired comparison indicates that PSA mean levels (0.48 +/- 0.07 and 0.29 +/- 0.05 for ELSA and MEIA, respectively) are significantly different and define two groups of nonhomogeneous values (p < 0.0001). The same results are obtained when patients with PSA values higher and lower than 4 ng/ml are analyzed separately. For patients with PSA lower than 1 ng/ml, the difference between mean ELSA-PSA and MEIA-PSA values disappears; 0.74 +/- 0.08 vs 0.62 +/- 0.05, respectively (p > 0.1). In this group, the results from both assays are statistically consistent. When considering the group of patients with PSA < 1 ng/ml, no difference between both techniques becomes apparent, which seems to indicate the absence of differences in sensitivity between both techniques when considering low levels of serum PSA. Nevertheless, it is clear that the results from these techniques can not overlap and are not comparable and so, to all practical effects, it is recommended that follow-up of any particular patient is made always with the same technique and even at the same laboratory.